Harmattan is a dry and dust-covered north-east trade wind that originated from the Sahara desert. Harmattan is characterised by chilly conditions, poor visibility, low ratio and low temperatures. These physical characteristics have an effect on public health similarly as socio-economic activities.
There has been warnings by Climate and Health specialists on the negative effects of low current of air ascertained in country that ought not to be taken quite casual as at Jan 2021, as associate flowering long run consequences of world global climate change, which Nigeria might have to deal with in the nearest future.
The result of the abnormality of the weather looks to be continual and worsening by the years.
In 2019, uncommon significant downpours marked the primary month of the year particularly within the south-west and a few alternative southern states.
That point of the year is generally characterized by high temperatures, hot sun and warmth wave.
The rains precipitated a reasonably proclaimed current of air season that we tend to not apprehend if it’ll happen this year.
However, the new weather throughout January could be a highlight that the weather is ever-changing year by year.
As each country innovates ways to contain the hazards of the climate, Nigeria cannot afford to discourage inorder to avoid complications.
Annually, the seasonal current of air development begins from late December, peaks in middle Jan and wanes by finish of Feb, however this year is popping intent on completely different with ‘Harmattan happening in February’. At a time folks ought to be feeling chilly, Nigerians were protestant of warmth day and night.
This caused concern across the country on Jan as meteorologists and health workers warned of the risks on human and natural resources.
Last year Jan, the northerners were deeply stricken by the current of air particularly the Almajiri kids and Plateau suffered the foremost from the tough and severe weather that is all because of global climate change.
Dr Humlong Fidelis of Plateau state, jos specialist hospital said ‘harmattan comes with sicknesses, adding that asthmatic patients who expose themselves to the windy cold area unit doubtless to be hit more’
Thus these precautions should be taken during this harmattan period:
• Asthmatic and sickle cell anaemia patients ought to keep heat forever
• Stop breathing charcoal burnt smell
• Wear warm clothes
Stay warm!
